Nine Unbelievable Facts About Top US Universities
American universities are, to put it simply, some of the most famous in the world. That doesn’t mean you’ll know everything about them though, as often the strangest, most interesting facts get left out of the official prospectuses. Here are some of our favorite weird and unbelievable facts about the top US universities in the QS World University Rankings® 2018.
MIT students can become fully qualified pirates
Well, sort of. Any student at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) who completes archery, fencing, sailing and pistol (or rifle) classes is eligible to receive a pirate’s license. It doesn’t give you the right to commandeer a vessel, smuggle goods or drink all the rum though.
A Stanford student has won a medal at every Olympics since 1908
Not the same student every year, obviously. Still, this is a remarkably impressive feat for the university and its athletes.
The statue of John Harvard at Harvard is actually of someone else
Nobody actually knows what John Harvard looked like, so when it was time for Daniel Chester French to make the statue which sits in Harvard Yard at the university, he used a friend’s likeness instead.
Caltech’s football team has been undefeated since 1993
But only because the university hasn’t had a football team since 1993.
The University of Chicago holds the largest scavenger hunt in the world every year
Nobody’s entirely sure why, but it’s been a university tradition since 1987. As well as items which must be found, each year’s list contains things that need to be built, performed, written, programmed, drawn, eaten, designed, painted or solved. In a word, it’s epic.
Three-quarters of Princeton alumni marry someone else who went to Princeton
And presumably they go on to produce insufferably intelligent children, who then also go to Princeton. It’s basically Prin-cest.
Cannabis was grown in the gardens of Cornell until the 1970s
Cornell University’s Plantation is home to both a weed garden and a poisonous plants garden, but we expect some students would have found its contents much more enjoyable back in the ‘70s.
Yale’s rare book library could literally kill you
Yale University goes to extraordinary lengths to look after the rare books and manuscripts stored in the Beinecke Rare Books and Manuscripts Library. If there’s ever a fire, the library will fill with a lethal, fire-suppressing gas after 30 seconds, so you haven’t got long to get out. Air is also removed from the library as part of the process, meaning you’ll suffocate to death if you decide to ignore the alarms and carry on working.
Businessman Michael Bloomberg designed Johns Hopkins’ mascot costume
Yes, way before he was earning millions of dollars, Michael Bloomberg designed, built and wore the blue jay mascot costume at Johns Hopkins University while studying here and playing lacrosse in the 1960s.
Want more content like this? Register for free site membership to get regular updates and your own personal content feed.
Off
Off
The best universities in the US have plenty of strange, bizarre and interesting elements that most students don’t know about. Here are some of our favorites.
where-to-study/north-america/united-states
No
6 Amazing Reasons To Study Engineering In Sweden
Sponsored by Study in Sweden
Sweden: the country behind Ikea meatballs, Spotify, Skype - and countless recognizable global tech brands. While most European capitals are still recovering from the 2008 financial crisis, Stockholm is producing more unicorns per capita than any other city in the world and continues to enjoy a stable economy and progressive politics. So, if you're browsing for engineering courses to kick-start your career, we recommend you look to Sweden.
1. Forget Berlin, Stockholm is the tech capital of Europe
Aspiring engineers hoping to join a tech startup when they graduate should definitely look to Sweden for courses and job opportunities. A staggering 18 percent of Stockholm's workforce are working in tech, with 22,000 tech companies based in the city, according to a Google report from 2014. Indeed, as Dennis Mitzner noted in an article for TechCrunch last year, Sweden owes the success of its startup scene in part to progressive measures like government-funded tech incubators and seed fund programs, which have encouraged investors and entrepreneurs to set up shop in the country.
2. The home of the Nobel Prize - unsurprisingly - has some of the best engineering courses in the world
With eight universities featured in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2017 for engineering and technology, including five among the top 200, Sweden's home to a range of elite universities, including KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Chalmers University of Technology and Lund University. To compare the best courses in the country, consult Study In Sweden's comprehensive list here or explore these 10 unusual courses offered by Swedish universities you didn't know existed (many of which are within tech or engineering.)
3. Swedish businesses are pretty big on sustainability
If you're into saving the planet, you might like to know that Sweden has been investing in green energy since the early 1970s, when a global oil crisis knocked back the world economy. Today, renewables account for as much as 52 percent of Sweden's energy industry, almost 95 percent of which comes from hydropower. Businesses are following suit, with brands like IKEA already on track to achieve full sustainability across all their world operations by 2020.
4. Sweden's an extremely welcoming country for international students
If this sight of Swedish Prime Minister Stefan Löfven dabbing isn't quite enough to convince you to pack your bags immediately, how about the Nordic country's broad range of nearly 900 programs all fully taught in English? To compare courses offered in English by Swedish universities, you can filter by subject and level of study here.
5. Swedes enjoy an incredible work-life balance
With 480 days of parental leave per child for the first eight years of the lives, it's fair to say Sweden's pretty family-friendly when it comes to the workplace. In fact, Sweden has some of the best working conditions in the world.
6. Swedish salaries are very competitive
A software engineer in Sweden can expect to make US$38,517-81,626, with the possibility to earn up to US$104,302 with seniority, according to PayScale. Other benefits tend to include profit-sharing, as well as dental and health insurance. Civil engineers make slightly less, between US$35,103 and US$87,820, but report high average bonuses of US$2,445 and average profit sharing of US$2,500.
Cover image by Magnus Liam Karlsson/imagebank.sweden.se
Off
Yes
Want to study engineering? Find out why Sweden might be your best bet!
courses/engineering
No
Three Surprising Facts Nutrition Scientists Can Agree On (And Three They Can’t)
Sponsored by Karolinska Institutet
Before the advent of the 20th century, nutrition science was much simpler than it is today. Back then, many of the troubling diseases we had to deal with like scurvy or goiter were simply down to some form of diet deficiency, so all a physician had to do was point out what someone needed to eat more of.
Today, the situation is much more complex. Nutrition scientists need to consider many different types of studies to establish the links between cause and effect because overeating, which is responsible for diabetes, heart disease and many other diseases, is a lot harder to measure or resolve. But, despite its challenges, nutritional research is an incredibly important field, educating us on how to minimize the risk of birth defects and have a happy, healthy heart.
If you’re not sure what nutritional advice to follow, we’ve sorted the wheat from the chaff with the help of the nutrition experts running Karolinska Institutet’s master’s program in nutrition science. Here are some oft-peddled nutrition myths which have been thoroughly debunked...as well as a few things nutrition scientists are still investigating.
Coffee drinkers should sleep soundly at night (if the caffeine isn’t keeping them up)
The popular belief that drinking several cups of coffee a day is bad for your health seems to be be nothing more than an old wives’ tale. In fact, research has shown that drinking up to six cups a day of coffee does not carry any increased risk of death from cancer or cardiovascular disease.
Low-fat options can be worse for your health
You’ll often see processed food marketed as being “low-fat”, but don’t be tricked into thinking that necessarily means it’s healthier. Manufacturers often swap fat for added starch or sugar, and unlike these added sugars, high-fat foods don’t actually make you fat if consumed in moderation. In fact, over the past 30 years, obesity rates have peaked in the US just as the percentage of calories from fat has decreased.
Half of your plate should be fruit and vegetables
Harvard researchers concluded that people who eat more than five servings of fruits and vegetables a day will have a 20% reduced risk of coronary heart disease and stroke, compared with people who eat fewer than three servings a day. Indeed, a diet rich in vegetables and fruits brings many benefits, such as preventing you from overeating and lowering your risk of heart disease, strokes and certain forms of cancers.
However...further research is needed on the health benefits of eating organic food
Despite claims to the contrary, there is still insufficient scientific evidence whether organic foods can help protect against cancer, although a recent European report concludes that organic agriculture may be beneficial for human health. There are also national pesticide regulations to make sure their levels in non-organic foods stay within safe limits.
Scientists are still discussing whether burnt food is actually carcinogenic
There are claims that eating burnt toast or overcooked roast potatoes carries a cancer risk, due to the fact that starchy food releases a compound called acrylamide when overcooked, which according to some studies can be carcinogenic. However, these studies were carried out on animals, not humans. In fact, one study conducted on people across Europe, funded by the World Cancer Research Fund, found no link between acrylamide and cancer risk. Nevertheless, the UK Food Standards Agency advises you to cook potatoes, parsnips and bread until they turn a golden yellow color to limit the intake of acrylamide.
The existence of superfoods has been contested
The term “superfoods” doesn’t actually mean anything. It’s a term invented by advertisers for foods like kale or blueberries that supposedly bring many health benefits like protecting against cancer. However, the validity of research studies on superfoods has been questioned by some critics, who argue that these studies tested levels of nutrients not normally found in real food. If you want to stay healthy and minimize the risk of cancer, the scientific consensus is that your overall diet and lifestyle will have a bigger impact than eating a few superfoods.
Learn more about nutrition
Are you a nutrition geek? The Swedish life-sciences university Karolinska Institutet runs a prestigious master's program in nutrition science fully taught in English. It’s ideal for anyone looking to become a researcher and promises to equip you with the tools and knowledge you would need for further doctoral opportunities in the nutrition area. To find out more about the master’s program in nutrition science, register your interest here. Or apply online here.
Off
Yes
Discover three things nutrition scientists can agree on and three things they can't.
courses/life-sciences-medicine
No
What You Need to Know Before Studying in Mexico
If you’re thinking of heading abroad to study in Mexico, you’ll want to do your research beforehand. From tips on how to visit Mexico safely, to advice on transport and local customs, here’s everything important you should know before your plane leaves.
Staying safe
Crime in Mexico is one of the country’s most urgent issues, and while some news stories and statistics can be a bit disconcerting, the threat to travelers is minimal so there’s no need to let it impact your enjoyment.
You should follow these steps to keep yourself safe, most of which should really be common sense:
- Use public transport by day and private transport by night
- Don’t wear expensive jewelry, and only carry small amounts of cash
- Keep an eye on your belongings at all times when traveling
- Take care when using ATMs – don’t count your money after withdrawing it
- Avoid political demonstrations
- Don’t hail taxis from the street – call a taxi company directly
- Carry a photocopy of your passport
- Keep up to date with current affairs
As you may have heard in the news recently, Mexico is also prone to natural disasters such as hurricanes and earthquakes. You can view advice on staying safe during an earthquake here and during a hurricane here.
Staying well
To make sure you’ll stay healthy while you study in Mexico, it’s a good idea to visit your doctor a few months before traveling, to check whether you need to have any vaccinations, such as those for cholera or Hepatitis A and B. When you’re in Mexico, you should drink only bottled or boiled water, and be wary of ice in drinks if you don’t know the source. Also, if you’re studying in a high-altitude city like Mexico City, it’s possible that you’ll experience minor altitude sickness symptoms at first, as the city is 2,240m (7,349ft) above sea level. Take it easy while your body adjusts to the height, and take medication if necessary.
Languages & culture
Although Spanish is spoken by the vast majority of Mexico’s population, there are also over 60 indigenous languages spoken, with the Náhuatl and Mayan languages the most common. Of course, Mexican Spanish has its own weird and wonderful idioms and slang terms that you won’t hear elsewhere: here’s a helpful list.
More than 82 percent of the population is Roman Catholic, and many Mexicans are quite religious. Mexican people are very friendly and can be somewhat formal – it’s common to address people as señor, señora or señorita. When speaking to an elder or someone you have a professional relationship with (such as a university professor) it’s best to use the formal pronoun usted instead of the informal tú.
When greeting someone, it’s customary to make physical contact, usually with a handshake (with strangers) or a small hug and kiss on the cheek (with friends). It’s also customary to say buen provecho (bon appetit) before eating when sharing a meal together, and you should give at least a 10 percent tip in restaurants and bars.
It’s great to be familiar with important days in Mexican culture, such as Cinco de Mayo (easily remembered if you know your Spanish: May 5), which commemorates the Mexican Army's victory over the French Empire at the Battle of Puebla, on May 5 1862. Cinco de Mayo is sometimes mistaken for Mexican Independence Day, which is actually September 16. Cinco de Mayo, unlike Independence Day, is not a national holiday – but it is widely celebrated in Puebla. There’s also the famous Day of the Dead (Día de Muertos) holiday, celebrated November 1-2, in which Mexicans celebrate and remember deceased loved ones and help support their spiritual journey. It’s a colorful, exciting time, despite the usually grim subject of death, and definitely one to get involved in while you study in Mexico.
In terms of Mexican food, there’s far more to it than tacos and burritos (although we wouldn’t say no to either). Mexican food is vibrant, interesting and bold, and was named part of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO. Tortillas, corn and chili are three key ingredients: we hope you like chili in particular, as Mexicans like to add it to pretty much everything – including breakfast. You can read about what dishes and drinks you should try during your studies here.
Getting around
As you settle in and get used to your surroundings as you study in Mexico, you’ll probably want to travel further afield, perhaps by bus or even a domestic flight. Wherever you go, there’s a lot to see – Mexico is one of the most biodiverse countries on the planet, and is home to a significant number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including ancient ruins, colonial cities, and natural reserves. It’s also very beautiful – you can read more about the most beautiful places to visit in Mexico here.
If you want to travel around Mexico via bus, the country actually has a very well-developed, affordable and comfortable intercity bus system, offering different classes of service to suit your needs.
Mexico City has a large, fast metro system – like any city, you can expect this to be very busy during weekday rush hours, but it’s nonetheless very efficient, getting you to the city center far faster than a taxi would. It’s also super affordable, with a one-way ticket only costing you five pesos – the equivalent of just 25 US cents.
Want more content like this? Register for free site membership to get regular updates and your own personal content feed.
Off
Heading to Mexico to study abroad? Find out everything you need to know to have a safe, fun experience.
where-to-study/latin-america/mexico
No
An Insider's Guide on What to Do When Studying in Amsterdam
Amsterdam: the city made popular for its liberal drug regulations, cheese, bikes and plethora of sightseeing spots. Whether you’re here for one day, week or year, Amsterdam seems to have a way of getting under people’s skin. With its crooked brick buildings along the canals, great parties, open-minded people and amazing parks, this city has a lot to offer for every taste.
Sights you need to see in Amsterdam
Admittedly, no one appreciates paying to wait in long queues or standing in crowded areas. However, there are a few occasions in Amsterdam when it’s arguably worth the effort. The first of these exceptions is a boat tour around the city’s canals. This is a great way to introduce yourself to Amsterdam and the quirky buildings hugging the surrounding water. Booking a boat ride in one of the many locations around the city means you’ll have an easy chance to meet new people, have a few drinks and avoid the crazy biking scene in Amsterdam for a few hours. An alternative for those seeking more adventurous activities is to rent a kayak or a pedal boat and be your own captain.
Other exceptions to the tourist rule are Anne Frank’s house, the Van Gogh Museum and the Rijksmuseum. Whether you are a self-proclaimed history enthusiast, have read the book, or have no knowledge on the topic at all, the Anne Frank house is a must-see for all. Situated in the center of Amsterdam, the transformed museum is understandably fully booked months in advance. So, to avoid the queues, it’s recommended to plan your trip wisely and with plenty of time to spare. For most museums you can book your tickets online which will save you a lot of energy.
Authentic places for foodies
When in a new country, the stress of finding a place to eat can be pretty overwhelming, often landing you in an average or unauthentic bar that was picked in a panic. Amsterdam has plenty of must-visit restaurants though. The first must-see destination for food/drinks is De Pijp (pronounced as “the pipe”). It truly is one of the most vibrant and popular areas in Amsterdam, with a range of cuisines from across the globe. A visit to the popular Albert Cuypmarket is highly recommendable too, as here you will find a broad selection of international food stalls. You have probably heard or even tasted one of the popular stroop waffles (caramel syrup cookies) and at this market you can get them freshly made and warm, which makes a huge difference. De Pijp is home to many students and artists and is also referred to as the Quartier Latin, due to its multicultural environment.
You should look out for Surinamese restaurants or bistros, such as Kam Yin – an Asian fusion restaurant – or taste the popular Surinamese sandwiches. Also, you should try some Dutch snacks, for example bitterballen (crunchy meatballs) or kibbeling (battered codfish), which you can purchase at every corner. Café Reuring is highly recommendable as it has really good reviews and a weekly change of menu. Perhaps you feel like startling your taste buds with the surprise menu? You won’t be disappointed here, promise. And if you’re having a hard time making up your mind on what to eat, check out Foodhallen, where you can choose from any kind of cuisine and hang out in an empty swimming pool with a cocktail.
Next thing to mention is The Avocado Show. Avocados, belonging to the trending group of super foods, are literally celebrated here: Whether it be a burger that comes with “buns” made with avocados, or a massive meal of nachos with guacamole, the meals in this restaurant are a work of art. The only downside is that, especially at the weekends, you can expect to wait quite some time to get a table as they don’t take reservations. Maybe try to plan that meal during the week instead or practice your patience.
Now, if you wish to enjoy a few Heineken or Amstel beers with your friends, Hanneke’s Boom near central station is the place to be. If you’re blessed with some sunshine - even better. It’s located next to a canal and they have a big area outside with a view of the NEMO science museum. Another option that is not too far away is Café Hill Street Blues, which you’ll find near the red-light district. The décor is really cool, as the walls are covered with graffiti and stickers, giving it a unique look and vibe. Another really trendy place in Amsterdam North is Pllek, a beach bar with live music and a view of Amsterdam’s skyline. You can get here with a ferry from Central station and the ride is free of charge.
Fun activities to do in Amsterdam
Given you’re on a typical student budget, you’ll probably want some recommendations that don’t hurt your wallet. If you’re into cheese, go for a “cheese-shop-crawl”, where you can try different kinds of cheeses without paying for it. Most cheese shops in Amsterdam offer a lot of free samples. These shops are also great to buy presents and souvenirs for your friends.
Although it isn’t allowed to spray on most of the historic buildings in Amsterdam, there are still some areas with interesting street art, for example Spuistraat and in Jordaan. You can see these on one of the city’s free walking tours, which are tip-based and very interesting. Simply walking around with your eyes wide open can be very exciting in this creatively blooming city.
Especially in summer, there are numerous free events in parks, such as the Vondelpark. Whether it be workshops, cabarets or music events - you don’t just go to a park for a picnic and drinks in Amsterdam. And, if you are willing to pay a little more, there are plenty of festivals for any type of music, for example Mysteryland or Appelsap Festival.
Although Amsterdam is a very touristic city and you might get run over by a biker one day, there are loads of things to do in a relaxed environment and you will soon feel like a local. The center is not very big, so you will quickly know your way around. Once you’re settled, you can begin to explore the rest of the Netherlands too. It’s easy to access the rest of the country by train and discover another part of this beautiful country.
Laura Kabelka works in Communication and Marketing at StudentJob AT.
Image credits: Lead image (Jorge Royan; Wikimedia Commons), Canals (Peter K Burian; Wikimedia Commons), Picnic benches (Jvhertum; Wikimedia Commons), Graffiti (Dominique Darcy; Flickr)
Off
In Amsterdam on a year abroad, or maybe just a short trip? These are the must-visit places to go to while you're there.
where-to-study/europe/netherlands/amsterdam
No
Why You Should Study a Life Sciences Degree
Sponsored by the University of Warwick
When it’s time to decide what to study at university, you tend to find there are three different groups of people. The first group know exactly what career path they want to follow and have an obvious degree to pick to ensure they get there. These are the people who will be doctors or lawyers or engineers. The second group don’t really know what they want to do but plan to just study their favorite subject from school, whether it be English, history, math or a modern language.
Far more common than either of these groups, however, is our third group, consisting of an overwhelming majority of students, none of whom have made their minds up yet. Sure, if this is you, you’ll have a vague idea about what you enjoy studying or would like to learn more about, but you’ve essentially resorted to flipping through university prospectuses and hoping one course or another catches your eye.
The danger with being in this third group is, if you don’t research every option thoroughly, you might completely miss out on a course which is perfect for you and your interests. Take life sciences, for example. Scanning lists of university schools, faculties and departments, you might see the words “life sciences” but dismiss the subject area without investigating it further. After all, it’s hardly the most understandable name. Aren’t all sciences to do with life in one way or another? However, as we found out from chatting to the School of Life Sciences at the University of Warwick, this area of study has lots to offer, and could be perfect for you.
OK, but what actually are ‘life sciences’?
To put it simply, life sciences are the science subjects which involve the study of living organisms. So, if you enjoyed studying biology at school, chances are you’ll be interested in the range of life sciences programs available at institutions like the University of Warwick.
However, there’s much more to this field than just dissecting frogs or identifying parts of the body. At Warwick, three different undergraduate programs are run by the life sciences school: biological science, biochemistry, biomedical science. While the first of these adheres fairly closely to the biology lessons you’re used to, the other two offer different and unique avenues of study that could be perfect for your range of interests.
Combine your interests into one life sciences degree
Can’t decide between studying biology or chemistry, for example? Split the difference and study both by applying for a biochemistry degree. You’ll still cover key areas within both subjects, from organic chemistry to multi-cellular organisms, but you’ll also get the opportunity to specialize by taking optional modules in subjects including immunology or synthetic biology. Approaching these topics from a background in just biology or chemistry wouldn’t necessarily be as feasible as it is when you’re studying biochemistry, and you’d be surprised how many different topic areas this applies to. To get an idea, check out the list of optional biochemistry modules on the University of Warwick’s website.
Similarly, the diverse range of topics covered by the biomedical science degree is perfect for anyone with an interest in medicine but doesn’t want to pursue the traditional career path of becoming a qualified doctor. Rather than be funneled towards one career in particular, a life sciences degree ensures you keep your options open and can move across a wider range of specializations.
Gain practical experience in industry before you’ve even graduated
OK, so you’re beginning to come around to the idea that a life sciences degree will enable you to combine multiple academic interests, but let’s face it: university is too expensive these days for you to just pick something solely because you find it interesting. Sure, you’re not one of the people imagining a future as a high-powered city lawyer, but you still want to know you’ll end up with a fantastic, rewarding and well-paid career when you leave university.
One advantage of studying a life sciences degree at Warwick in particular is that all three courses come with the opportunity to spend a year working in industry. As well as providing a fantastic chance to network, schmooze and potentially get your foot in the door of a graduate scheme, this is also a brilliant way to take what you’ve learned in the lecture room and find out how it applies in a real-world context. Found your biochemistry module on protein biochemistry fascinating? Just wait until you’ve put that knowledge to work in a professional laboratory environment.
Still not convinced?
If we haven’t well and truly piqued your interest in life sciences by now, I’m not sure how much more we can do. We’ve established it’s a fantastic way to combine multiple academic interests and specialize in fascinating and cutting-edge new areas (bioenergy anyone?) and also looked at how you’ll be perfectly placed to graduate with a top degree and hopefully land a job with a major employer in your chosen field. What more could you need to convince you?
Maybe this will help. From 2018 onwards, the University of Warwick is offering International Life Sciences Excellence scholarships to undergraduates, which will reduce your course costs by £5,000 (US$6,600) for the first year of study. Scholarships are awarded to students based on past academic achievements, motivation to study, extracurricular activities and their vision for the future, and anyone with an offer to study a life sciences degree at the university can apply.Thought that might tempt you.
Off
Yes
Not sure what to study at university? Learn about careers with a life sciences degree.
courses/life-sciences-medicine
No